"Randy Phoenix" wrote in message
...
personaly i would save your money. i have never used a skimmer and my
tanks are beatiful and fish are healthy.
i do a 20% water change every other week and add clarifier and algae
destroyer (fish only tank).


I think that's what so unique about this hobby. There are
many ways to accomplish the same tasks using different
methods. In this instance I'd consider it an inconvenience
to change out fifteen gallons of water every other week.

IMHO (and I'm a newbie here), I think from what I've
read and seen, running a good quality skimmer along
with your water changes, keeps a tank cleaner. And
when I say cleaner, I don't mean as the tank appears
just to the eye. But even if I'm wrong (high possibility),
I think I'd be erring on the good side.